Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) hosts computer science and programming contests worldwide for students from kindergarten to high school. This will be ACSL's 43 consecutive years in operation. In last year alone, about 500 teams from the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia participated. ACSL offers multiple departments to provide appropriate assignments for students of different ages and abilities. An unlimited number of students on the team can participate in each contest. Each season is split up into four contests that test students on the introductory computer science concepts, from numerical systems to Boolean algebra to digital electronics. At our school, students enrolled in AP Computer Science A and Post AP Data Structures both compete in the ACSL competition. Last year, the Computer Science A Students in the Intermediate Division and the Data Structures students in the Senior Division both qualified and competed in a final online competition.
Bebras is a competition among upper schoolers consisting of logic-based puzzles where students must answer as many questions as possible in the low amount of time allotted. These puzzles test computational thought and top scorers in this competition are then commended for their work after the answers are graded. Computational thinking involves using a set of problem-solving abilities and techniques that software engineers use to write programs and apps. The Bebras challenge strengthens problem-solving skills and informatics concepts, including breaking down complex tasks into simpler components, pattern recognition, algorithm design, and abstraction.
The codeathon is a beloved event where passionate programmers must code in the language of their choice to solve as many problems possible in the hour and a half time given. These problems range from fairly simple to incredibly complex, which are the most valuable in scoring the competition. The code files submitted are then checked to ensure validity and then points are given accordingly.
DECA is an international student organization with over 225,000 members. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA’s programs and activities have constantly evolved as we use the latest technology and apply cutting edge educational research. Students participate in various individual and team competitions, learning key leadership skills such as goal setting, consensus building, and project management. Our school chapters boasts over 200 students and various accolades at both the district as well as state level.
“Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware created the Diamond Challenge to provide high school students from around the world with an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship by putting their ideas into action. The Diamond Challenge is a concept-based competition for new ventures. Students submit and pitch their ideas to compete for cash awards. These awards may be used to support their startup, support their social venture, or pursue a higher education.” As part of the social entrepreneurship course, students created feasible solutions to modern day challenges such as fresh water wastage from showers as well as a credit system for homeless people. Through this experience, students successfully created basic prototypes, in depth financial analysis, and pitched their ideas to current entrepreneurs and businesses men and women. Moreover, the class submitted five social innovation projects and all five of them advanced to the semifinal round in Philadelphia. There, students not only presented live to a panel of judges, but also received vital feedback on how to transfer their projects into sustainable businesses.
Started in 1977, the Math League holds a competition for high school students nationwide. Composed of 6 free-response mathematics questions, the monthly tests challenge students’ critical thinking skills as they pertain to mathematics. Registered schools in each state/region compete to achieve the highest cumulative score. In the 2019-2020 school year, Pine Crest scored the third most points in the county and eleventh most points in the state.
The Student Television Network, commonly known as STN, is a non-profit international association of high school and middle school broadcast journalism, film, and multimedia programs. Conventions are hosted multiple times a year and allow students from all over the country to display their knowledge and expertise in broadcast journalism, film, and media. These contests are open to all middle school and high school affiliate members with a current membership. Judged by professionals from within the industry, every contest entry receives a detailed evaluation based on criteria set forth by the STN Educational Standards, as well as a personal comment from the judge. Our school sends many students to these conventions every year, with many students receiving various honors and awards for their work.